No charges filed yet in shooting case

No charges have been filed yet against Connor James MacLaird, suspect in the burglary of the Snooty Coyote Liquor Store in Tabernash on Sept. 15.

MacLaird was shot by Grand County Sheriff Brett Schroetlin shortly after deputies responded to the scene of the reported crime. The investigation into the incident is ongoing and no decision has yet been made regarding whether the shooting of MacLaird by Schroetlin was justified.

MacLaird, 20, was shot by Schroetlin during an on scene investigation after authorities received reports of a burglary at the Tabernash liquor store. According to press releases issued following the incident, deputies from the Grand County Sheriff's Office, assisted by an officer from the Fraser/Winter Park Police Department, identified a suspect, MacLaird, in the vicinity of the Snooty Coyote Liquor Store during their investigation.

The official press release states, "The suspect was allegedly brandishing a knife at the officers as he advanced; the suspect was shot by law enforcement." Sheriff Schroetlin was on scene that night with his police dog following a request for assistance in finding the suspect.

MacLaird was transported to St. Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood where he was treated for his wounds. Initial reports from law enforcement officials stated MacLaird was expected to survive his injuries. The Sky-Hi News contacted St. Anthony's regarding the status of MacLaird and whether he has been released from the hospital but the calls have not been returned.

Immediately following the shooting, Schroetlin and the other officers involved were put on administrative leave, a standard procedure in officer involved shootings.

The case is being reviewed by the 14th Judicial District's Critical Incident Team. The case could possibly go before a Grand Jury for review; however, officials from the DA's office explained no decision has been made yet and the case remains under investigation.

The 14th Judicial District's Grand Jury application process is under way and the new Grand Jury will not be seated until early October.